Dog Training with Reinforcement
Most dog training is built on techniques that fall into categories called reinforcement and punishment.
Reinforcement means you are strengthening a behaviour. If you give a dog a treat for sitting, sitting is reinforced, because your dog hopes to get a treat next time he sits too.
Punishment means you are suppressing a behaviour. Techniques such as water sprays, rattle bottles, electronic dog collars come into the punishment category. If your dog does something ‘bad’ and gets a spray of water, he’ll associate the behaviour with the punishment and (hopefully!) stop doing the ‘bad’ thing.
For punishment to work, it needs to be relevant, immediate - you’re dog won’t remember what he did ‘wrong’ ten minutes ago.
Ask yourself how you would like your dog to behave. Do you want a dog who sits calmly and ignores visitors? If so, the question becomes: “How do I get my dog to sit calmly and ignore distractions?”
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Now you can create a training plan. The components are simple. “Sit” is fairly straightforward. To sit for a prolonged time is a “stay.” Ignoring is usually taught as a “leave it” command.
All of these actions are behaviours you can reinforce with fun things like kibble, treats, toys and attention.
Initially, you must invest some time teaching the meaning of these basic commands. You cannot expect a dog to comply if he does not understand what you want.
Most dogs benefit from some fun sessions at a training class to at least get a good understanding of these basic commands. Obedience classes also allow you to practise in a group environment. Other people support your goals and help you achieve results.
Pet dogs should learn to sit for everything they want in life. “Sit-stay” in the kitchen keeps dogs off counters. “Leave it” keeps dogs from taking food or jumping at unwanted times. These commands are skills every dog (and dog owner) needs to know.
Calm, structured routines create solid behaviours.
When you start with a good training strategy, your dog will understand what is expected. When your daily routine reinforces good behaviour, it will motivate your dog to comply.
For the best guide to dog training visit Dog Training Secrets
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khealey on January 20th 2008 in Dog Training